The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Saturday, June 20, the successful completion of a six-day joint maritime exercise alongside the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and United States forces in the West Philippine Sea.
The bilateral training event, known as the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), took place from June 14 to 19. Executed in coordination with the PCG and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), the exercise marks the fourth iteration of the MCA between the two allied nations this year.
The operations proceeded according to plan despite the monitored presence of several Chinese military and coast guard vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.
“The successful conduct of the MCA highlights the enduring commitment of the Philippines and the United States to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance maritime domain awareness, and reaffirm support for a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.”
A diverse fleet of assets was deployed by the Philippine contingent, led by the guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07). Air support included FA-50 fighter jets, an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B aircraft, and Sokol helicopters. Working in tandem with the military, the PCG contributed the multi-role response vessels BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) to lead coordinated formations.
The United States military deployed the fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC-1141) and USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC-1145), alongside a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and ground forces from the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment.
Throughout the six-day duration of the MCA, the combined forces executed intricate maneuvers designed to enhance tactical integration. The training featured search-and-rescue drills, division tactics, complex formation maneuvers, and communication checks.
Personnel also conducted joint fires rehearsals and visit-board-search-and-seizure exercises to bolster regional maritime defense capabilities.